Columbus City Council OKs McQueen as new police chief

COLUMBUS — The Columbus City Council has selected Selvain McQueen as the new police chief.

By a 4-2 vote Monday, the council chose McQueen over two other finalists during a special meeting that lasted about five minutes. The chief’s appointment was the only item on the agenda and there was no discussion prior to voting.

The Commercial Dispatch reports the votes were split along racial lines. Councilmen Kabir Karriem, Joseph Mickens, Gene Taylor and Fred Stewart — all of whom are black — voted in favor of appointing McQueen, who also is black. Councilmen Charlie Box and Bill Gavin — who are white — voted against the motion.

After the meeting, McQueen said he looked forward to working with everyone to help make the city a safer place to live.